See the Many Sides of Berkeley...on Stage

If you grew up or have spent a lot of your adult life in the Berkeley area, you know all too well that there is no singular Berkeley, but several Berkeleys. From its political history to its fantastic food scene, there are lots of different sides to the city we live in and love.

That's why director Rebecca Novick and playwright Dan Wolf put together the new play "Daylighting: The Berkeley Stories Project." 

After spending two years interviewing locals about what Berkeley means to them, their show, commissioned by the Shotgun Players, finally opens today at The Ashby Stage.

From SFGate.com:

"We didn't just get a bunch of old revolutionaries who now drive vegetable-powered BMWs into a room to preach to the choir...We got a wide swath of people to illuminate their own version of Berkeley."

"Dan and I were kicking around ideas about what we think we know about Berkeley," says director Novick, 42, who launched the Triangle Lab in 2011 to generate civic dialogue through community-engaged performance. "Even outside the Bay Area, people think of that iconic image of Mario Savio in Sproul Plaza as if Berkeley's frozen in time. But that was 50 years ago, which is ancient history in terms of the pace of cultural change. So what's Berkeley's story now?"

Daylighting: The Berkeley Stories Project

Opens 8 p.m. Friday. 

Also 8 p.m. Saturday, 

5 p.m. Sunday. 

$8-$25. Through June 22. 

The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org.

Is Your Kitchen Clutter Free?

(Image courtesy of Barney Livingston)

This one is for all the cooks out there. How many times have you been so engrossed in cooking a complicated recipe only to discover half-way through that you’ve fun out of counter space?

If this problem seems to come up more and more often while you’re cooking, it may be time to look at the appliances in your kitchen to determine what you really, truly can live without. Don’t believe us? Read through this list courtesy of builddirect.com and we’re sure you’ll be rethinking some of your less-used appliances.

1. Toaster

Let’s start radically by challenging tradition, shall we? While a toaster might seem like a can’t-live-without item, it’s really an unnecessary kitchen tool when you really look at it. The pop-up toaster was only developed in the way we recognize it by 1913. Before that into the late 1800s, a broiler or a skillet was used for making toast. You can do that too!

To use the broiler for toast, put bread on a baking sheet and slide it onto the top rack of the oven. If you prefer to use a skillet, set it over medium-high heat and flip the bread from side to side until it turns that golden shade of brown. No problem!

2. Microwave

“Ack! Are you insane???”

Well, it might seem even more radical to suggest that a microwave should be anything less than totally central to your kitchen. But, one thing to consider is the relationship that you have with your kitchen as far as what you actually do while you’re in it. For instance, how central is your microwave, really, to the daily meals you’re preparing in your kitchen? Ask yourself this question, and then decide whether or not the counterspace or cabinet space your microwave takes up is really justified.

Also, think about where your microwave might serve you better outside of the kitchen. If you use your microwave to make popcorn, warm up hot chocolate, or to heat up other snacks while you’re spending time in front of the TV, or on board game night, or kids craft time, then maybe the microwave should be more central to those activities in family rooms, or living rooms.

You could do worse than to match up the function of your microwave with the kinds of activities it supports. And it’s your house, so you get to decide where everything goes, even if tradition says otherwise.

3. Sandwich maker

In your quest for a minimalist kitchen, small appliances that have only one function (like your toaster!) are prime candidates for demotion on your countertops. Sandwich makers have a certain appeal. But, unless your really expanding on ways to use it, or are maybe writing an eBook about the versatility of the sandwich in modern cuisine, it might be time to give your sandwich maker its walking papers when it comes to taking up countertop space.

And again, is there a better place for your sandwich maker? Basement family rooms, bar areas in recreation areas, and even in outdoor dining spaces might be a better choice for single-function appliances like this.

4. Extra dishes

You know that hideous floral dinnerware that your well-meaning neighbor gave you? Drop it off at the nearest secondhand store. You might keep stuff like that around in your cupboards and cabinetry, just in case you ever have more guests than your regular set of dinnerware can handle. But if that happens, renting plates from catering companies or borrowing them from friends and family are always viable options. Your well-meaning neighbor won’t even notice.

5. Deep fryer

While your doctor probably wouldn’t argue with you if you gave up completely on those treats from the fryer, getting rid of your deep fryer doesn’t mean you have to go without the goodies. A sturdy saucepan and a thermometer will get the job done, and you’ll have one less bulky item hogging your counter or cupboard space.

6. Rice Cooker

Here’s the thing. You don’t really need a rice cooker. All you need is a saucepan with a lid. Cooking rice on the stove top is almost as easy as using a rice cooker.

My method? It’s one-part rice, two parts water, cover and set to boil, turn off the heat completely when boiling is achieved. Then, let it sit with the lid on for about 15 mins. Easy peasy.

7. Popcorn maker

You got rid of the microwave in the kitchen, and now the popcorn maker is on the chopping block, so what are you going to eat on movie night? Once again, making popcorn on the stove top is a solution. Granted, making popcorn on the stove isn’t as easy as throwing a bag of popcorn in the microwave or using the popcorn maker, but you still end up with a delicious treat—and a new skill to add to your growing list of culinary feats.

And like you did with your microwave, maybe this is just a matter of re-location rather than changing your approach to making a buttery treat. Move that popcorn maker into the family room where you play your boardgames, or watch movies. Redefine where your appliances are according to your needs. This is your space. You get to decide where things go. Simple.

8. Extra knives

That big wooden block sitting on your counter probably only has a few slots that see frequent action. A chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a bread knife are all essential, but that’s really all you need. Keep them sharp, keep them clean, and say farewell to all the knives that you kept around for reasons that may now escape you.

The same goes for that drawer (you know the one, everyone has one …) with the jumble of mysterious implements with uses that remain to be a mystery. Clear that out and be brutal about how often you use each item in there. You’ll thank yourself later.

Support Music in Berkeley High Schools This Sunday!

Do you remember your high school music classes as some of the most fun classes you took? If so, consider supporting the future of music in Berkeley's local high schools this Sunday!

On May 18, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the Fourth Street Shops, Berkeleyside, and others will be hosting the 19th Annual Jazz on Fourth benefit music festival for Berkeley High School's Jazz Program. The event is free for the public and will feature jazz performances by: 

BHS Ensemble and Combos

Ed Reed

Sista Monica Parker

Tito y su Son de Cuba

Over the past 18 years, the Jazz on Fourth festival has raised over $165,000 for the Berkeley High School Jazz program. And this year, local businesses will be getting involved as well, by donating to the event's raffle and lining the streets with fun merchandise and activities. There will also be special kids menus at certain restaurants, with free face painting for kids and professional photos being taken courtesy of Photolab. 

From the FourthStreet website: 

Jazz on Fourth is an shinning example of the high value the Berkeley business community places on supporting the arts in our public schools, but more than that, it's an exciting musical event---a FREE outdoor jazz festival that's fun for the entire family. Come join us and hear why Berkeley High School's Jazz Ensemble and combos enjoy such a great reputation." -Sarah Cline, BHS Jazz Director. Website & Music here

Click here to learn more about the 19th Annual Jazz on Fourth concert!

Warm Days, Cool Wine

(Image courtesy of Gitta Zahn)

Now that summer is here, many people forego heavier drinks for light and fruity cocktails - but what get together would be complete without a fantastic glass of wine? If you’re like us, the idea of sipping a heavy red wine during the hot, sticky summer months just doesn’t sound appealing.

If you want to give your wine list an upgrade for the summer, this article from apartmenttherapy.com has just what you’re looking for. Peruse this list of light, fruity summer wines to find your next favorite!

Vinho Verde

In Portuguese this translates to green wine and it’s the perfect drink for hot nights in Lisbon. A young, tart white wine this one is a crowd pleaser as it’s easy on the palette and great for drinking in the sun or after a long day in it.

Caprice de Colombelle

This French wine is robust for a white and has great notes of pear that evolve on the tongue. It goes well with chicken dishes or Brie cheese. This wine is pretty widespread as far as its exportation in the States so ask your local wine merchant if they carry it (and if they don’t, to start to!)

Santo Wines

These Greek wines from the island of Santorini are all delicious! From the sparkling wine to the dry red Vedema (as seen in the image) these wines are Dionysius approved. If you ever get to Santorini, a visit to this winery is a must as it sits high on the hills giving a view of the entire island and the caldera.

Wollersheim Winery’s Prairie Fumé

This semi-dry white wine believe it or not comes from Wisconsin. Naturally yes, it pairs well with cheese being from the land of cheese, but the experts at Wollersheim Winery, who won Winery of the Year at the San Diego International Wine Competition in 2012, know what they’re doing. The Prairie Fumé has won more awards than we can list here, including, “Blockbuster Wine of the Year” for its delicious orange and grapefruit flavors. Pairs well with grilled foods, pasta and seafood.

Sineann Yates Conwill Vineyard’s Pinot Noir

You don’t have to say goodbye to reds in the summer but you will want to lighten your palette’s load. Do that with a great Oregon Pinot Noir, fruity and light but still with plenty of evolution as it travels down the tongue, this wine is one to savor on a special summer night – we recommend the 2012 vintage.

Do you have a favorite warm weather wine or recipe? If so, share it with us!

Rescued Dog Pageant in Berkeley this Sunday

Looking to put the “bar” in “bark”? Starting at 12:30pm this Sunday, May 4, at the Missouri Lounge, will be a benefit for Berkeley Humane. This isn’t just any fundraiser: This is a Rescued Dog Pageant, featuring ten dogs owned by the establishment’s bartenders, as they strut down the runway and compete in a talent content. Finally, there will be an awards ceremony, with the bar’s regular customers serving as the judges.

Those who attend will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes redeemable at local businesses and, of course, will have the opportunity to adopt a rescued dog on-site. There will also be drink specials!

According to East Bay Express, the idea started out as a joke, but when the idea was pitched that the dogs be rescued dogs, it became reality. The event will be hosted by local DJ Paul Pot, who also runs the bar’s weekly open mics.

You can surely expect to see some dogs in costumes and some tricks! So come out to support Berkeley Humane, and have a tail-waggin’ evening this Sunday. If you’re unfamiliar with Berkeley Humane:

From our humble beginnings in a renovated former pool hall in West Berkeley, Berkeley Humane continues to expand and adapt the services of the organization to meet the ongoing needs of the community's animals and their human guardians. Berkeley Humane's work would not be possible without its strong partnerships with local animal welfare groups and the support from animal-loving friends who share the Society's vision. Today, Berkeley Humane has thousands of supporters and volunteers, and remains steadfast in its practices to curb pet overpopulation in the East Bay and give pet guardians the tools they need to ensure that their pets remain happy and healthy in their homes for the rest of their lives.

Click here for more information about the Missouri Lounge Rescued Dog Pageant!